Composite Index of Leading Indicators

Composite Index of Leading Indicators

An index tracking a number of economic indicators considered to be leading. A leading indicator is one that occurs before an economy has started moving in a particular direction. For example, a reduction in the average number of hours worked by manufacturing employees is considered a leading indicator because it usually precedes an economic slowdown or a recession. Among the indicators used by the Composite Index of Leading Indicators are the change in the money supply and the number of new building permits issued for residences. It is used to help predict the direction of the economy so investors and businesses can make decisions accordingly.